Hey everyone, Sabine here with Sea Haus Realty. Each month I break down what’s happening in our local housing market so you can see where things stand across the Emerald Coast. Real estate is always local, so understanding what’s going on from Santa Rosa Beach to Destin and Niceville can help you make smarter decisions whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying informed.
Let’s dive into the September 2025 numbers.
Santa Rosa Beach (Zip Code 32459)
Santa Rosa Beach is one of the largest and most diverse markets in Walton County. The area includes everything from north of Highway 98 to Point Washington and all the way south through 30A West and 30A East. Each section carries its own price point, and the coastal side of 30A East remains the highest in cost per square foot.
Right now, Santa Rosa Beach is still leaning toward a buyer’s market. The median sold price came in around $915,000, which is slightly up month over month. Homes are staying on the market for an average of 55 days, and the median sold-to-list ratio is 94.9%. That means sellers are still negotiating a bit, giving buyers some room to work with.
Current inventory sits at around 10 months, meaning if no new homes were listed, it would take that long to sell through everything currently on the market. In short, buyers have options.
Freeport
Just a quick 30-minute drive north of Grayton Beach, Freeport continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in Walton County. With new construction and several builders actively developing, Freeport is holding steady in a balanced market.
The median sold price for September was about $379,000, slightly down from earlier in the year when prices hovered closer to $400,000. The sold-to-list ratio sits at 98.3%, and inventory is about 5.5 months, which means Freeport is in a healthy place between buyers and sellers.
Builders here are also offering incentives instead of price cuts, so that’s something to factor in if you’re looking at new construction. There’s even talk of new retail coming soon, including a Walmart, which would be a big convenience for locals.
Destin
Heading over to Okaloosa County, Destin remains one of the most recognizable names along the Emerald Coast. While it’s known for its beaches and vacation properties, it’s important to note that not all areas allow short-term rentals. South of Highway 98 you’ll find many condos and resort-style properties, while north of 98 has more residential communities that often restrict short-term rentals.
For single-family homes only (not condos), the median sold price in Destin is sitting around $700,000. The sold-to-list ratio is 93.8%, and homes are averaging 55 days on the market. Inventory here mirrors Santa Rosa Beach at just under 10 months, so it’s still favorable for buyers.
Destin’s numbers have stayed relatively stable over the past three years, showing a steady and consistent market.
Niceville
Crossing the Mid-Bay Bridge brings us to Niceville, one of the most established communities in our area. It’s home to a strong military presence, great schools, and several newer developments from trusted local builders.
Niceville is currently in a seller’s market. The median sold price is right around $500,000, and homes are moving much faster than in nearby areas. The average time on the market is just 34 days, with a sold-to-list ratio of 96.4%. Inventory sits at about 3.25 months, meaning well-priced homes are selling quickly.
Mortgage Rates and Market Outlook
The average 30-year mortgage rate has dipped to 3.3%, the lowest level we’ve seen in nearly a year. That drop is already driving more buyer activity across the coast.
This shift is tied to the bond market and Treasury yields. As yields fall, mortgage rates tend to follow. Recent investor confidence that inflation may be cooling has eased pressure on rates, and we’re seeing the results locally. Showings are up, offers are coming in faster, and activity is picking up.
Looking ahead, October is already off to a strong start. Christine and I have several listings that went under contract quickly, and buyers are finding more opportunities to get their offers accepted. Historically, October tends to be one of our busier months, and this year seems to be following that trend.
Whether you’re curious about your home’s value or just want to keep an eye on the market, we’re always happy to talk about what’s happening here along the Emerald Coast.